Violence and legal cases against journalists in Armenia highlighted in new compilation published with OSCE Office support

YEREVAN, 3 March 2010 - A compilation of articles discussing violence, intimidation and legal cases against journalists in 2008-2009 in Armenia, published with support from the OSCE Office in Yerevan, was presented today.

The publication, "Violence, Intimidation and Legal Cases against Journalists and the Media in Armenia 2008-2009," was supported by the OSCE and produced by the non-governmental organization Investigative Journalists. It looks at seven cases of violence and intimidation against journalists and analyzes seven libel and slander cases involving journalists, noting that the perpetrators in several of the violent attacks remain unknown. The articles have also been published on the website of Investigative Journalists, www.Hetq.am.

"Promoting freedom of expression and eliminating harassment of journalists remains a key challenge in Armenia. Violence against journalists is inadmissible, and if it goes unpunished it will contribute to a climate of fear and self-censorship," said Carel Hofstra, Acting Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. "A vibrant media is a key component in a democratic society."

Liana Sayadyan, Editor of the compilation, added: "It is important to raise awareness about the significance of media freedom. There is no complete data available on violence against journalists and slander, personal insult and defamation cases involving journalists in Armenia, but this compilation should be useful to judges reviewing such cases, to journalists and to those filing lawsuits."

The publication formed part of the OSCE Office in Yerevan's work to promote press freedom in Armenia.